The David Lewis College journey

Anne Price – Director of Education Service at David Lewis Centre

Me in context• Worked in LDD education services for 29years• 24 yrs (83%) time in General Further Education

(GFE) sector – when GFE went through incorporation in 92/93

• 5 yrs (17%) time in ISC sector.• Ofsted part time inspector since 2002• Elected to Board of Director for Natspec• David Lewis Centre has a school which is a

member of NASS• That brings many positives – the time invested

has reaped many many benefits

How has my career helped the DLC journey?

• Been there before and have an understanding – but things have changed

• Networking with GFE colleagues key to understanding local 14 – 19 partnership

• Cheshire and Warrington Principals’ Group

• NW ISC partnership – Natspec regional group

• NW NASS regional group

The benefits and frustrations of partnerships

• Sit in meetings that could have little relevance to you – make it relevant!

• Been here before – we seem to be going back 15 / 20 years?? – flexibility / responsive to change / knowledge

• You realise that you have a lot to offer.

• Embrace the change – it’s not going away

Personal and organisational qualities

• Tenacious – don’t accept no / try different routes• Minnow or Piranha?• Patience• Investment in people’s time• Proactive• Think creatively• It’s time to do your research – informing your

strategic planning

Understand the landscape – it’s a different world

• Who heads up the Children’s and Families Service in your LA – key starting point. Read the website regularly!

• The Children and Young People’s plan for your area• Children’s Trusts – who leads on this ? What

stakeholders groups are there?• Local Government Association / Regional Development

Agency / Regional Government Office• Need to understand how Local Authorities work –

councillor leads• Get to understand you sub-regional grouping.• National Comissioning Framework

A time for excitement ?

• Invited to join the Cheshire East 14 – 25 Learning and Achievement Executive.

• It’s not just ISCs - everyone’s feeling nervous and uncertain (GFE / schools / local authorities?)

• Now handing over to Mark Bayley from Cheshire East – David Lewis College’s host authority